Wildfire destroys 20 homes in Laguna Beach area amid mandatory evacuations

 (Independent)
(Independent)

A wildfire is ripping across the Laguna Beach area in southern California, destroying at least 20 homes.

Fire crews battled the blaze, named the Coastal Fire, through the night on Thursday as mandatory evacuations were in place for nearby communities.

At least 20 homes in Laguna Niguel, south of Laguna Beach, have been destroyed, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

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